Campaigners fighting against plans to change the name of the Black Bitch pub in Linlithgow have rubbished the pub owner’s claims that they are trying to come to conclusion that will be acceptable to locals.
They say pub chain Greene King is “ignoring” people in the town and riding roughshod over their opinions.
Greene King managing director Wayne Shurvinton has written to community groups in Linlithgow asking for feedback on a list of alternative names by Monday.
He said options on the table included The Black Hound, the Wearie Drover, The Willow Tree and The Linlithgow Arms, adding people had got in touch with to welcome plans to change the name.
But Alistair Old says the company is simply not listening to the vast majority of people in Linlithgow.
He told the Courier: “Greene King totally ignore the fact that so far 11,344 people have told them that they reject any claims by the company that the name is racist or offensive.
“How can they claim to be an inclusive company and ignore the views of the customers in the pub, the vast majority of the population in the town our civic leaders, West Lothian councillors, MSPs and MPs.
“The pub name is neither based on a racist past or offensive when used properly to describe the Female black greyhound. Greene king management made their decision before fully researching the name and are now too arrogant to accept they were wrong.”
We reported last week that campaigners were “genuinely concerned” the already volatile situation could escalate after some received vile racist abuse.
Police Scotland are investigating “hate crime” messages sent to members of the movement, who are trying to stop owners Greene King changing its name.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “We reject Mr Old’s assertions and want to be clear that we condemn all racist behaviour. To suggest that changing a pub’s name is to blame for this, rather than the actions of the perpetrator, is totally wrong.
“We have tried to work with Mr Old and urge him to respond to our recent letter asking him for feedback on some alternative name options. We’re disappointed he has not yet responded and seems unprepared to work constructively with us.
“We’ve made clear throughout that we want to work with community groups on the new name for the pub and are also writing to other local organisations.
“We know our announcement hasn’t been welcomed by all, which is why we have said we’re happy to discuss various options for the new name, but we cannot ignore that we spoke to people from a range of backgrounds – and continue to receive correspondence from people – who support the move and find the current name offensive. It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome in our pubs.”
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